CN113164228B - Cantilever traction device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a body anchoring traction device. The traction device directs the reaction force of traction to a larger area on the patient's chest and abdomen. The traction device adopts the cantilever support and the ultra-low friction joint, so that the free movement of the head is not limited while the oppressive feeling of the head is reduced.

Description

Cantilever traction device

Background

A large proportion of people have defects in maxillary development relative to the genetic potential that maxillary development has. In order to fully exploit the developmental potential of the maxilla, a certain traction force must be applied to the bone. According to Newton's third law of motion, each force has an equal and opposite reaction force. Therefore, in order to apply traction to the upper jaw, the device used must be able to handle the reaction forces generated thereby.

In traditional orthodontic treatment, convenience is often a priority and many suboptimal physiological anchor points for reactive forces have been tried, including the forehead, the cheekbones, the chin and the neck. However, applying a counterforce to a sensitive part of the body for a prolonged period of time is undesirable and in many cases even hazardous. For example, the application of a counterforce on the mandible/chin (as in U.S. patent No. US 8,640,710) can lead to mandibular atrophy and temporomandibular joint stress. Devices using a neck brace can immobilize the neck against free movement and generate a large amount of heat in sensitive neck areas, causing discomfort. Negative forces on the frontal or zygomatic bones can cause deformation and deterioration of the skeletal structure over time, for example, the maxillary traction device described in US patent publication US 2018/0028282 applies a large amount of load to the head and only gives the patient limited freedom of head movement since the body anchor has only one single joint point anchored in a position in which the patient's abdomen is not free to move freely.

There is a need in the art for an improved traction device. The present invention satisfies this need.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cantilever towing arrangement comprising: a frame; a hood slidably attached to a hood stem having a curvature; and a cantilever support slidably attached to said frame, said cantilever support being attachable at an upper end to said hood pole.

In one embodiment, the frame includes at least one upper cross-bar and at least one lower cross-bar connected by opposing side bars and aligned in parallel with the same curvature. In one embodiment, the frame is constructed from one or more shaft members. In one embodiment, the shaft member has at least one section that is telescopically adjustable.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises at least one padded strap pad tensioned and secured between the opposing side bars, the lining of the at least one padded strap pad being made of gel or sponge. In one embodiment, the frame includes a belt having shoulder straps and a waist strap. In one embodiment, the cooperation of the strap and the at least one padded strap ensures that the device is secured to the user such that the frame does not physically contact or minimally contact the user.

In one embodiment, the cross-bar curvature is a circular arc having an included angle of about 160 ° to 180 °. In one embodiment, the nose cap stem curvature is an arc having an included angle of about 90 ° to 140 °.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a linkage arm attached to the hood, the linkage arm having the same curvature as the hood guides. In one embodiment, the hood further comprises one or more attachments connected to the hood pole in a slidable connection and lockable to the linkage arm, which may be selected from a hook attachment, a linear gear pole attachment, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the slidable connection comprises a low friction bearing. In one embodiment, the low friction bearing is made of a material selected from the group consisting of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the hood slides along the hood pole in a mid-plane of the pole that is configured to support a user's head in flexion and extension. In one embodiment, the cantilevered support is slidable along the frame in a transverse plane configured to support a user's head for rotation. In one embodiment, the attachment between the cantilever support and the headgear pole. Comprising a rotatable joint allowing rotation in the coronal plane, the rotatable joint being configured to support lateral flexion of the head of a user.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an anchoring traction device comprising: a rod having a curvature, the rod attached to the anchor; a head rest connected to said rod in a slidable connection; and an elongated linkage arm attached to the head rest.

In one embodiment, the anchor can be secured to the gurney, headboard, floor stand, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the device further comprises one or more attachments connected to the rod in a slidable connection and lockable to the linkage arm, the one or more attachments selected from a hook attachment, a linear gear rod attachment, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the slidable connection comprises a low friction bearing. In one embodiment, the low friction bearing is made of a material selected from the group consisting of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), and combinations thereof.

In a third aspect, the present invention is a draft gear including a body frame and a jib rest. The body frame is adapted to be anchored to the body of a patient. The cantilever mount includes a first shaft coupled to the body frame, and a second shaft coupled to the first shaft. The second shaft extends forward of the patient's face.

In a fourth aspect, the invention is a traction system comprising a treatment implement, a traction device, and an applicator. The therapeutic device is coupled to the patient. The traction device comprises a main body frame and a cantilever support, wherein the main body frame and the cantilever support are coupled through a roller bearing. The force applicator is detachably coupled to the cantilever support and to the treatment device. The therapeutic device is anchored to at least one selected from the group consisting of a tooth, bone, and soft tissue of a patient.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention is a method of maxillary traction treatment for a patient in need thereof comprising coupling a traction device to a treatment apparatus. The therapeutic device is coupled to the patient.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention is a hood including a first web, a strap, and a second web. The first backing strip is configured to wrap around the back and sides of the patient's head. The strap is removably coupled to the first backing strip by a plurality of fasteners. The second strap is configured to pass under a patient's chin and be coupled to the band. The second liner includes a mandibular fastener. The band does not occlude the facial area of the patient.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention is a traction device comprising an anchor, a cantilever support, a nose cap, and a force applicator. The cantilever support includes a shaft movably coupled to the anchor. The nose cap is adjustably coupled with the shaft. The force applicator is removably coupled with the nose cap and adjustably coupled with the shaft. The anchor is configured to be secured to a support.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention is a traction system comprising a therapeutic device and a transoral member. The treatment apparatus is adapted to couple with one or more of the patient's teeth, bone, and soft tissue. The transoral member includes a curved member and an extraoral vertical member. Two ends of the bending component are coupled with two opposite ends of the therapeutic device. The extraoral vertical member extends vertically along the plane of the curved member.

Brief description of the drawings

The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention can be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a side view (left) and a perspective view (right) of an exemplary traction device.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary body frame of the traction device.

Fig. 3 shows a front (left) and back (right) view of an exemplary traction device with a strap fitted to a patient.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary outrigger of the towing attachment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary hood of the draft gear.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary low friction bearing with a hook attachment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary low friction bearing with a rack attachment.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of an exemplary hood attached to a patient's head.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another exemplary traction device.

Figure 10 shows the experimental results of the effect of normal force on the lateral force required to move the low friction bearing along the aluminium rod.

Fig. 11A is a perspective view of a cantilevered traction device with a roller bearing.

Fig. 11B shows a side view of the cantilevered traction device with the roller bearing.

Figure 11C shows an exploded view of the roller bearing.

Figure 12 shows a cantilever mount with a plurality of bearings.

Fig. 13 shows a cantilever mount with vertical rollers.

Figure 14A shows a cantilever mount with a plurality of bearings separated by an angle of 60.

Fig. 14B shows a cantilever mount with multiple bearings separated by an angle of 45 deg..

Fig. 14C shows a cantilever mount with multiple bearings separated by an angle of 30 deg..

Figure 15 shows a cantilever mount with a support bar.

Figure 16 shows a cantilevered draft gear with a neck support.

Fig. 17 shows the cantilever mount coupled to a swivel hinge.

Fig. 18 shows a cantilevered towing attachment coupled to a moveable anchor.

Fig. 19A shows a head cover of the boom hitch.

Fig. 19B shows the user wearing the boom hitch hood.

Fig. 20A shows a cross-sectional view of a force applicator including a constant force spring.

Figure 20B shows the force applicator in tension with a constant force spring.

Figure 20C shows the force applicator and bracket for coupling the force applicator to the traction device.

Fig. 21 shows an adjustable anchoring device coupled to a pull wire.

FIG. 22A shows a finite element analysis of von mises stress of a boom hitch strap measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

Fig. 22B shows a finite element analysis of URES displacement of the boom tractor strap measured in inches (in).

Fig. 23 shows a pull wire coupled to a distraction device and a bony anchor.

FIG. 24 is a partial view of a cantilever towing arrangement with hidden bearings.

FIG. 25A shows a side view of another design of a boom tractor hood worn by a user.

FIG. 25B shows a rear view of another design of a boom hitch hood worn by a user.

Figure 26A illustrates a perspective view of a therapeutic device coupled to a transoral member.

Figure 26B shows a side view of the therapeutic device coupled to the transom member.

Detailed Description

The invention provides a body-anchored distraction device and a non-head-anchored distraction device. The traction device directs the reaction force of traction to a region of the patient having a large chest and abdomen area. The traction device is light in weight, and the cantilever support and the ultra-low friction joint are adopted to reduce the stress of the head and simultaneously reduce the resistance of the head to move.

Definition of

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements associated with the invention have been set forth so as to provide a clear understanding of the invention, all of the drawings and description have been simplified and many other elements that are common in the invention have been eliminated for the sake of clarity. One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that additional elements and/or steps may be desirable and/or necessary in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. Variations and modifications of the elements and methods disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Exemplary methods and materials are described herein, although any methods or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated therewith.

The article "a" or "an" refers to one or more items (i.e., at least one) in a grammatical sense. For example, "a" or "an" element means one or at least one of the element.

As used herein, "about" when referring to measurable values such as amounts, durations, etc., refers to variables including 20%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.1%, etc., based on the specified value, as appropriate.

The term "support" refers to an object having a rigid surface capable of physically supporting the anchoring traction device. Examples of supports include walls, beds, gurneys, and stands, such as floor stands.

In the present disclosure, various aspects of the invention may be presented in a range format. It should be appreciated that: the description in scope is presented merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to have explicitly disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as all the individual values within that range. For example, a description of a range of 1 to 6 should be considered to disclose the sub-ranges covered, such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within the range, such as 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6, and any whole or partial increments within the range. The above applies to any range of widths.

Traction device

The present invention provides a traction device configured to direct the opposing forces of maxillary traction to the chest and abdomen, away from sensitive areas of the patient's head and neck. The device distributes the reaction force over a large surface area to reduce fatigue and discomfort. The wearable device is lightweight, such as in the range of 1 to 2 pounds or less, allowing substantial freedom of movement of the patient's head, including turning and nodding. An exemplary body anchoring traction device 100 is shown in fig. 1. The towing attachment 100 includes a body frame 200, a cantilever support 300, and a hood 400.

As shown in fig. 2, the main body frame 200 is shown in detail. The body frame 200 is formed by one or more shaft members 202 surrounding a circumference. The body frame 200 may be any suitable shape, such as generally quadrilateral or elliptical. The shaft 202 may be hollow or solid and may be made of any suitable rigid material, such as aluminum, polycarbonate, or some other lightweight metal, plastic, or composite material. In various embodiments, the cross-section of shaft 202 may be any suitable shape, including circular, oval, square, and rectangular. At the top and bottom sides, the shaft 202 forms an upper crossbar 204 and a lower crossbar 206, respectively, which are connected to opposite side bars 207, respectively. The upper rail 204 and the lower rail 206 are aligned parallel (see fig. 1) and have matching curvatures. In some embodiments, the matching curvature may be described as an arc of a circle having an included angle between 160 ° and 180 °. In some embodiments, the body frame 200 can include one or more additional cross bars aligned parallel to the upper cross bar 204 and the lower cross bar 206 and having matching curvatures. One or more additional crossbars may be connected to the side bars 207, or to the top crossbar 204 or bottom crossbar 206, by, for example, a short length of shaft 202. The side pole 207 may have one or more recesses 210 configured to conform to the patient's anatomy, such as the chest muscles.

The body frame 200 may be secured to the patient's body using any suitable mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the body frame 200 also includes a backing tape pad 208 suspended between the side bars 207. The cushioned pad 208 may be made of a fabric or polymer mesh and may be supplemented with gel or foam pads to enhance comfort and fit. In some embodiments, the padded pads 208 are tied in tension to the frame to support the weight of the apparatus 100 and the lateral stresses imposed on the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the body frame 200 is dimensionally adjustable, wherein the lengths of shaft 202 are telescoping and lockable by one or more locks 212. The body frame 200 also includes a strap 214 having shoulder straps and a waist strap to secure the body frame 200 to the patient (fig. 3). In another example, the body frame 200 may include a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid footpads that are operative to engage the shoulders and abdomen of the patient to support and distribute lateral stresses applied to the device 100. It should be noted that the dimensional suitability and fit of the body frame 200 ensures that the frame 200 does not directly contact or minimally contacts the patient when the device 100 is secured to the patient, thereby ensuring that the load is distributed throughout the patient.

As shown in fig. 4, the cantilever mount 300 is shown in detail. The cantilever mount 300 includes a first shaft 302 and a second shaft 304, and is secured to each other by a clamp 306. Similar to shaft 202, first shaft 302 and second shaft 304 may be made of any suitably rigid and lightweight material. The first shaft 302 has a low friction bearing 308 at each of its upper and lower ends, wherein the upper low friction bearing 308 is slidable along the upper rail 204 and the lower low friction bearing 308 is slidable along the lower rail 206. In various embodiments, the first shaft 302 may further include an additional low friction bearing 308, as described elsewhere in this specification, the additional bearing 308 being connectable to and slidable along an additional cross bar on the body frame 200. Each low friction bearing 308 may be made of any durable material having a low coefficient of friction, such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The second shaft 304 includes a nose cap attachment 310 at its upper end. The position of the various components (clamp 306, low friction bearing 308, nose cap attachment 310) may be adjusted along their respective attached first shaft 302 or second shaft 304 by any suitable locking mechanism, such as a ring clamp.

Details of the hood 400 are shown in fig. 5. The hood 400 includes a head liner 402 attached to a stem guide 404. The head liner 402 is a flexible component configured to wrap around the head of a patient and securely hold the rod guide 404 over the head of the patient. The rod guide 404 has an internal cavity sized to match the rod 406 and is connected to a linkage rod 408. In some embodiments, a low friction bearing is contained within the rod guide 404 lumen. The rods 406 and linkage rods 408 are aligned parallel and have the same curvature. In some embodiments, the matched curvature may be described as an arc of a circle having an included angle between 90 ° and 140 °. The lower end of the stem 406 may be connected to the headgear attachment 310 of the cantilever support 300. Linkage 408 includes a plurality of holes 410 arranged along its curvature, each hole 410 being sized to mate with a pin or screw on lock 412. Each lock 412 includes a low friction bearing 414 that slides along the rod 406. In some embodiments, the hood 400 includes at least a first lock 412 having a hook attachment 416 and a second lock 412 having a linear gear lever attachment 418. The hook attachment 416 (see fig. 6 for details) provides an attachment point for the string, thread, or elastic, and may comprise a simple hook, closed loop, or spring door (e.g., a snap design). A linear gear rod attachment 418 (see fig. 7 for specific details) includes one or more toothed rods to provide a non-fixed attachment point for strings, or elastic bands. A hook attachment 416 and a linear gear rod attachment 418 may be connected to the maxillary traction device, respectively. Thus, by adjusting the position of each lock 412 and each hole 410 along the direction of curvature of the linkage bar 408, the reaction force exerted on the maxillary traction device can be adjusted. For example, in one embodiment shown in fig. 8, the hook attachment 416 may be positioned between about 30 ° and 90 ° relative to the transverse plane and the linear gear bar attachment 418 may be positioned between about-35 ° and 60 ° relative to the transverse plane.

The combination of the body frame 200, cantilever support 300 and hood 400 provides a traction device 100 that comfortably applies traction to a patient while avoiding the application of forces to sensitive areas such as the head and neck and allowing substantial freedom of movement of the patient's head. Locking each component to the cantilever mount 300 allows the cantilever mount 300 to slide laterally on the main body frame 200 as a single rigid unit due to the slidable connection between the upper low friction bearing 308 and the upper crossbar 204 and between the lower low friction bearing 308 and the lower crossbar 206. With respect to the hood 400, the head liner 402, the rod guide 404, and each lock 412 may be relatively locked in place by a linkage 408, and the locking assembly is configured to be freely slidable along the rod 406. Thus, the device 100 enables the patient to perform a rocking motion along the curvature of the top rail 204 and bottom rail 206, a side-to-side turning motion in the transverse plane, and a nodding motion along the curvature of the rod 406 in the mid-plane between the flexion, extension, and hyper-extension of the neck. In some embodiments, the headgear attachment 310 further comprises a rotatable joint to allow the head to perform a tilting action (i.e., lateral flexion) in the coronal plane. In some embodiments, one or more clamps 306 may comprise a tension spring, or a rotatable joint at the headgear attachment 310 and the rod guide 404 may allow the head to complete a swing-back motion (i.e., a pecking motion) at the mid-plane.

Fig. 9 shows a detail view of another alternative towing attachment 500. The traction device 500 employs similar components as the device 100, which may be anchored to a bed, gurney, or landing platform. The device 500 includes a head rest 502 attached to a curved rod 504 by a first lock 506. The device 500 includes one or more additional locks 506, wherein each lock 506 is lockable to each other with a linkage 508. Each lock 506 may include a maxillary device attachment 510 to support the load of maxillary traction. The rod 504 may be secured to a headboard, landing stand, wall, or any suitable rigid structure by anchors 512. The rod 504 also includes a swivel hinge 514 to allow the patient to shift sleep positions while maintaining traction.

Further research has been carried out to identify other possible modifications to the innovative cantilever pulling apparatus described above. Many improvements that have been successfully accomplished will enhance the functionality and durability of the device while improving the user experience.

By using roller bearings, the lateral movement of the cantilever mount along the body frame can be improved. Fig. 11A shows a perspective view of a cantilevered traction device with a roller bearing. Fig. 11B shows a side view of the cantilevered traction device with the roller bearing. The lower coefficient of friction of roller bearings compared to sliding bearings (shown as sliding bearings as element 308 in fig. 4 and element 414 in fig. 5) allows for a smoother action to be achieved when a torque load is applied.

Figure 11C shows an exploded view of the roller bearing. The roller bearing comprises one or more needle bearings 610 and a like number of rollers 620 therearound coupled to the upper plate 630 and the lower plate 640. The components of the roller bearing may be coupled together using any suitable fastener, such as a screw or bolt. The upper and lower plates may be made of any hard, durable material such as metal, plastic, or ceramic. Preferably, the upper and lower plates are made of plastic or aluminum. The rollers may be made of any hard, durable material such as metal, plastic or ceramic. Preferably, the rollers are made of plastic, aluminium or brassAnd (4) preparing. The roller bearings may optionally include a low friction substance between the rollers and the upper and lower plates to facilitate movement of the rollers. The low friction substance may be any material having a low coefficient of friction. Suitable low friction materials include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or PTFE)

) Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), nylon, polyoxymethylene (POM or acetal), polyester, acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) or polycarbonate/ABS (PC/ABS).

The lateral movement of the cantilever mount along the body frame may also be improved by using a plurality of roller bearings. Preferably, a plurality of bearings are arranged at the upper cross bar and the lower cross bar of the main body frame of the cantilever traction device. Fig. 12 shows a cantilever mount with multiple bearings. The cantilever mount 700 includes a plurality of upper bearings 710 and a plurality of lower bearings 720, which are engaged with upper and lower rails (not shown) of the main body frame, respectively. The upper bearings are coupled together by a first upper bearing plate 730 and a second upper bearing plate 735. The lower bearings are coupled together by a first lower support plate 740 and a second lower support plate 745. The upper and lower support plates are coupled with a first shaft 750, a second shaft 760, a third shaft 770, and a fourth shaft 780. The use of multi-bearings helps to distribute the load over a wider distance, thereby reducing the moment load on each bearing. The use of multi-bearings is particularly helpful for patients who need to receive a higher traction treatment, such as adult patients.

The cantilever mount may optionally include additional rolling members to facilitate lateral movement of the cantilever mount along the main body frame. Fig. 13 shows a cantilever mount with vertical rollers. The vertical rollers 810 may be coupled with the support plate 820 between the roller bearings 830. The vertical roller may be coupled to any one of the support plates. Additional rolling members may be used to smooth the lateral movement of the cantilever mount when it is desired to carry a vertical load.

In addition to holding the plurality of bearings, the upper and lower support plates shown in fig. 12 and 13 also improve the stability of the jib traction device. The use of a single support plate to couple the plurality of bearings ensures that the roller bearings maintain proper alignment with each other and with the rods of the body frame. In addition, the upper and lower support plates ensure that the first and second axles also maintain proper vertical alignment. Maintaining vertical alignment of the first and second shafts is particularly important, and if not, these components can impair lateral movement of the roller bearings.

The use of multiple bearings allows the bearings and upper and lower bearing plates to be formed into a variety of geometries. The angle of separation of the bearings relative to the first and second shafts may be varied to provide the desired stability and range of motion. The wider separation angle can disperse the moment load and improve the bearing performance. However, a larger angle reduces the range of motion of the user's neck. The separation angle of a pair of roller bearings may be between 15 and 90. Preferably, the separation angle of the pair of roller bearings is between 30 ° and 60 °. More preferably, the separation angle of a pair of roller bearings is 45 ° or 60 °. Fig. 14A shows a cantilever mount with a plurality of bearings separated by an angle of 60. Figure 14B shows a cantilever mount with a plurality of bearings separated by 45 deg.. Fig. 14C shows a cantilever mount with a plurality of bearings separated by 30 deg..

The bearing may be selectively concealed in the housing. FIG. 24 is a partial view of a cantilever towing arrangement with hidden bearings. Concealing the bearing protects the bearing from substances that may affect its function, such as dust or food, and prevents objects, such as clothing or a patient's hair, from becoming lodged in the bearing.

In another arrangement, a swivel hinge may be used to provide lateral movement of the cantilever mount about the main body frame. FIG. 17 shows a cantilever mount coupled to a swivel hinge, which can be coupled to a body harness (not shown).

The stability of the cantilever traction device can be increased by providing a support bar between the first and second axles of the cantilever support. Figure 15 shows the cantilever mount with the support bar. The plurality of support bars 910 are coupled to the first shaft 920 and the second shaft 930. The support rod is located between the first bearing 940 and the second bearing 950. In addition to the support provided by the clamp coupling the first and second shafts (see element 306 in fig. 4), the support bar provides additional support. Alternatively, the support rods may be used instead of the clamps. The use of multiple support rods reduces the torque applied to the bearing, further improving the stability of the cantilever traction device.

The comfort of the boom traction device may be improved by including components that enhance the ability of the user to perform such actions as head-waving, head-pointing, and turning while wearing the device. Fig. 18 shows a cantilever towing arrangement coupled to a moveable anchor. The boom tractor assembly includes an applicator 1010 coupled to a nose bar 1020 by a roller bearing 1030. The headgear stem is coupled to a cantilever mount 1070 that includes a shaft 1080. The nose cap stem and the stem of the cantilever support may be integral. The force applicator is coupled to the treatment apparatus (not shown) by pull wires 1040. The pull wire is coupled by a hinge 1060 to a rotating post 1050 that represents the head and neck of the patient. When wearing the device, the patient may be askew, nod and turn, but is still subjected to constant traction during movement. The rotation of the upright column and the hinge shows that it is feasible for the patient to move the force applicator and the cantilever support by means of the traction cable driven by the head.

When the user wearing the device is leaning, nodding or turning his head, the force applicator will preferentially provide a constant force throughout the range of motion. The preferred force applicator is a constant force spring. Figure 20A shows a cross-sectional view of an applicator including a constant force spring. The force applicator 1200 includes a first constant force spring 1210 and a second constant force spring 1220 within a housing 1230. The housing includes a telescoping sleeve 1240 that protects the spring as it extends. The force applicator includes an attachment point 1250 (not labeled) for coupling the force applicator to the treatment apparatus. Figure 20B shows an applicator including a constant force spring in tension. The force applicator preferably includes a hard stop (not labeled) to prevent over-extension of the constant force spring and exposure of the spring edges.

The force applicator can be detachably coupled to a holder, which in turn is coupled to the traction device. Fig. 20C shows the force applicator 1200 and a bracket 1260 for coupling the force applicator to a traction device (not shown). The force applicator may be removably coupled to the bracket by mechanical fasteners, such as screw or spring mechanisms, or by non-mechanical means, such as magnets or friction (press or snap), etc. The carriage includes a roller bearing 1270, and the roller bearing 1270 may be coupled to a traction device (see fig. 18 and 19B).

The force applicator can provide different magnitudes of force by varying the width, thickness and/or diameter of the constant force spring within the force applicator. The force applicator may be configured to provide any suitable amount of therapeutic force. Preferably, the force applicator provides a force of 0.1 to 10 kg.

The force applicator may be coupled to the treatment implement by an adjustable anchoring device. Fig. 21 shows an adjustable anchor 1300 coupled to a pull wire 1310. The adjustable anchoring device includes a series of holes 1320 for receiving a force applicator (see fig. 19B). The holes may provide different angles for the force applicator, such as 0 ° to 45 °, including 5 °, 10 °, 15 °, 20 °, 25 °, 30 °, 35 °, and 40 °. The adjustable anchoring device may be removably coupled to the pull line by activating the release mechanism 1330. The adjustable anchoring device may be removably coupled to the pull wire by mechanical fasteners, such as screws or spring mechanisms, or by non-mechanical fasteners, such as magnets or friction (press fit or snap fit).

The comfort of the boom tractor device may also be improved by customizing the body frame (see fig. 2). One method of adjusting the body frame is to make the tape backing pad on the body frame removable. For example, the gasket pad may be removably coupled to the body frame using fasteners such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or buckles. The use of a removable backing pad enables the fit of the device to be customized for each particular user. For example, the backing pad may be selectively padded to different degrees or to different degrees of tightness to provide the desired fit. The backing tape pad is preferably machine washable. Another way to adjust the body frame is to change the geometry of the rods of the body frame. For example, the rods of the body frame may be straight, angled, curved, or a combination thereof. Customization of the body frame will promote comfortable matching, improving user compliance.

Reducing the weight of the boom tractor significantly improves user comfort. The boom tractor is preferably selected from materials having high strength, high rigidity and low weight. Suitable materials include aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber.

The weight of the cantilever tension device can be reduced by using hollow rather than solid components. For example, the rod of the body frame may use a hollow tube. Preferably, the hollow tube used is circular in cross-section. The body frame uses tubular rods to facilitate movement of the bearings along the rods. The use of hollow components also reduces the cost of manufacturing the boom tractor. Hollow tubes are readily available, easy to manufacture and inexpensive. Hollow aluminum tubes are a particularly preferred material for use in the body frame.

By changing the hood of the cantilever traction device, the comfort of the cantilever traction device can be obviously improved. Fig. 19A shows a nose cap for use in a boom tractor. Hood 1100 includes a backing strip 1110 coupled to a strap 1120. The hood may optionally include a chin strap 1130. The backing strip and strap may optionally include a one-sided pad to ensure some comfort when contacting the user's head. The configuration of the chin strap may be different to provide a customized fit for the user. For example, the chin strap may be configured to pass over or under the chin of the user. Further, the chin strap may be configured to be secured to both sides of the user's head. The strap may be made of any rigid, durable material, such as metal, plastic, or ceramic. Preferably, the strap is made of plastic.

Fig. 19B shows the user wearing the boom hitch hood. The backing strip 1110 is secured over and under the user's ear. Chin strap 1130 passes under the chin of the user. The strap 1120 is coupled to the headgear stem 1140. The force applicator 1150 is coupled to the pull wire 1160 and is coupled to the hood stem via roller bearings 1170. The pull wires are coupled to the treatment apparatus (not shown) by adjustable anchors 1180. Preferably, the strap is coupled to the hood pole near the pull line to provide optimal support. Unlike conventional traction devices, the band does not occlude the facial area of the user. Maintaining the unobstructed facial area will improve comfort and ease of use for users wearing glasses or sunglasses.

FIG. 25A shows a side view of another design of a boom hitch hood worn by a user. FIG. 25B shows a rear view of the hood. The hood includes a first strap 2510 that wraps around the back and sides of the user's head and a second strap 2520 that passes under the user's chin, the second strap 2520 being removably coupled to the user's head by a chin fastener 2550. The strap 2530 is coupled to the second backing strip and is removably coupled to the first backing strip by a plurality of strap fasteners 2540 and traction devices (not shown). Adjustments may be made between the mandible and the band fasteners to provide a customized fit. The fastener may be any type of detachable fastener suitable, such as a velcro tape

Fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or snap-in fasteners. In addition to improving the comfort of the hood, the fasteners also simplify the process of applying or removing the hood to or from the head of the user. For example, a user may customize a fitted first backing strip and then secure the strap to the first backing strip using a hook and loop strap fastener. The hood may then be donned or doffed by fastening or unfastening the magnetic chin fastener near the user's chin or cheek without having to readjust the strap fasteners.

The hood may optionally include a neck support. Figure 16 shows a cantilevered draft gear with a neck support. The neck support may be used to apply force to the mandible or support the neck during treatment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a newer hood design, which provides significant advantages over the earlier hood designs shown in FIGS. 1-9. Components such as linkage rods (fig. 5, element 408) and rod guides (fig. 5, element 404) can be eliminated, thereby reducing cost and weight of the device. The use of rigid force applicators and roller bearings in newer nose cap designs also improves the functionality of the device. Early hood designs required the user to use his head to guide the movement of the cantilever support along the body frame and hood assembly along the hood pole. This head-based motion results in unnecessary effort being carried by the head and neck regions of the user. In newer headgear designs, a rigid force applicator assists in movement of the device components, particularly during nodding. This allows the retrofit hood to be used to hold the user's head in place and to assist in lateral movement of the cantilever support along the body frame, reducing unnecessary forces on the user's head and neck area.

A key feature of the cantilever retractor is its universal compatibility with any orthodontic and cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) devices. This cantilevered distraction device can be coupled to a treatment instrument that is anchored to a tooth, bone (e.g., upper or lower jaw), or soft tissue of the patient. For example, the cantilever traction devices may be coupled to the maxillary traction devices described in WO2019/018249 and WO 2019/104255. Similarly, any type of force applicator may be coupled to the boom tractor. For example, the force applicator may comprise a spring, a constant force spring, a rubber band, and a wire.

Another key feature of the cantilever traction device is that it does not exert any force or load on the user's head. The hood is coupled to the cantilever mount, but the cantilever mount does not apply any force to the user's head through the hood. For example, FIG. 5 shows the rod 406 passing through an opening in the rod guide 404, but the rod does not rest on the rod guide, nor does it transmit any force to the user's head. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, when the user's head moves laterally, only the lever and the lever guide are in contact, thereby causing the cantilever mount to move laterally on the body frame.

For example, one means for movably coupling the cantilever mount to the body frame may be a sliding bearing, a roller bearing, a vertical roller, or a rotating hinge. For example, one means for coupling the patient's head to the cantilever support may be a hood, head band, strap, or a strap including a head band and/or a chin band. For example, the means for applying traction to the craniofacial complex of the patient may be a spring, constant force spring, elastic band, or wire.

Customized pull wire

A preferred application scenario for the cantilever traction device is in use with a bony anchor system that applies extraoral stress, such as traction, to an intraoral bony anchor. It is possible to apply non-rotational forward and forward upward forces directly to the patient's maxilla as described in WO2019/018249 and WO 2019/104255. Moreover, this is preferable to the conventional apparatus. Because conventional devices require the elastic medium to be secured to an intraoral anchor that can cause the maxillary complex to experience unnatural downward and/or rotational tension.

Extraoral stresses may be applied to the intraoral bony anchors using an orthodontic appliance, which may be a modified orthodontic arch, wire or pull wire. The orthodontic appliance may be removably coupled to the bony anchor by the patient or a caregiver thereof. Since the natural geometry of the mouth and bones of each patient is not identical, the position of the bony anchors and the configuration of the pull wires must be customized for each patient.

A method of customizing a pull wire includes determining a patient's oral and/or skeletal geometry; the pull wire is adjusted. The pull wire includes an intraoral portion positioned within the patient's mouth and an extraoral portion positioned outside of the patient's mouth. The intraoral portion of the pull wire can be adjusted to match the patient's oral and/or skeletal geometry. For example, the pull wires may be adjusted to reduce interference and/or friction with the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, and tongue, thereby reducing disruption of physiological functions. The out-of-port portion of the pull wire can be adjusted to provide a particular therapeutic application. For example, if the patient requires application of lateral force to the bony anchor points, the width of the pull wire can be increased to apply the desired lateral force. Adjusting the pull-wire may include adjusting an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, or both intraoral and extraoral portions of the pull-wire. Any adjustment of the pull wire must maintain an optimal coupling connection with the bony anchor.

The pull wires may be made of any material that is sufficiently rigid to transmit therapeutic forces to the patient and sufficiently malleable to be adjusted to the patient's particular oral and/or skeletal geometry. For example, the pull wire may be made of spring tempered or annealed steel wire. Preferably, the pull wire material is 17-7PH stainless steel.

The patient's oral and/or skeletal geometry can be determined by measuring and recording details of the patient's oral and/or skeletal geometry by any suitable means. Measurement and recording techniques include obtaining impressions through dental casts or molds, or the like, or obtaining data measurements through digital scanning or Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), or the like. A physical or digital model of the patient's oral cavity and/or bone geometry is created from the recorded measurements.

The pull wire can be adjusted manually. A physical model of the patient's mouth and/or bone geometry can be coupled to the dental apparatus. The pull-wires can then be adjusted, either freehand or with tools, to match the model of the patient's oral cavity and/or bone geometry to provide a particular therapeutic application.

The pull wires can also be adjusted digitally. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the geometry of a patient's mouth and/or bones can be created via digital measurements using a 3D software module. The digital model of the pull wire can be adjusted to match the patient's oral and/or bone geometry to provide a particular therapeutic application. The digital model of the pull wire can be submitted to a wire making machine to make the customized pull wire, and the desktop 3D wire making machine can also be used to make the customized pull wire. Machine learning may optionally be used to accelerate the digital adjustment process.

Lead adjustment may optionally involve a medical professional with orthodontic and Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) treatment experience. The medical professional may be a doctor, dentist, orthodontist, or assistant/technician working under the supervision of the medical professional. A medical professional may assist in determining the appropriate treatment force direction to provide the desired treatment result.

The pull-wires may be selectively processed after the customization scheme is determined. For example, a custom-made pull wire may be heat treated to achieve a desired hardness and yield strength. The pull-wires may be handled by the customization personnel. Alternatively, the pull wires may be handled in a separate facility from the customized location.

Fig. 23 shows a pull wire 1410 coupled to a distraction device 1420 and a bony anchor 1430. A non-rotational forward and/or forward/upward force vector can be applied to the patient's maxilla along a desired force vector of 0-75 ° by aligning the bony anchor (point a), the pull line (point B) and the distractor (point C). The appropriate positions of the bony anchors, pull wires and traction devices are unique to each patient and depend on the patient's oral and/or bone geometry and the desired therapeutic force. The pull wires may be customized as discussed above. The pull wire and the pulling device may be selectively configurable to provide an adjustable force vector. For example, the lead may be coupled to the lead device via an adjustable force applicator and an adjustable anchoring device (see FIG. 19B). Similarly, the pull wire may contain multiple attachment points or notches to provide different force vectors.

The several components of the invention described above may be made using any suitable method known in the art. The fabrication method may vary depending on the materials used. For example, components made of metal in their actual form may be milled from larger metal blocks or cast from molten metal. Also, components made of plastic or polymer may be milled into larger blocks, cast or injection molded. In some embodiments, the device may be manufactured using 3D printing or other alternative techniques commonly used in the art.

Examples of the invention

For a further detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the following examples. These examples are for illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the following examples, but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become apparent in light of the teachings herein.

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, based on the foregoing and the following illustrative examples, make and use the components contained in the present invention and practice the claimed methods.

Example 1: low friction bearing prototype

A low friction bearing is attached to a flattened aluminum tube and a weight of known weight is suspended from the bearing to apply a normal force. A container is attached to the same bearing and the traction wire is vertically hung on a pulley. Weights are added to the container to determine the amount of lateral force required to move the bearings and overcome the normal force applied by a weight of known weight.

The results are shown in FIG. 10. The lateral force required to initiate bearing slippage is more than an order of magnitude less than the applied treatment load. For example, in the nominal case, 2.2 pounds of forward force plus 2.2 pounds of upward force, the total force is (2.2) ² +2.2 ² ) ^0.5 =3.1 pounds, at which time the rotor needs to generate 0.26 pounds of force to activate the bearing. An extreme example is a 4.4 pound forward force plus a 4.4 pound upward force, with a total force of (4.4) ² +4.4 ² ) ^0.5 =6.2 lbs. The rotor then needs to generate 0.52 pounds of force to activate the bearing. The starting force refers to the peak force required for starting in a stationary state. Once activated, the friction (and subsequent forces) can drop as much as 50%.

Example 2: finite element analysis of headgear straps

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed on the headgear straps shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Finite element analysis simulates the stresses experienced and the resulting displacements in the belt when subjected to a thrust of 2 pounds. FIG. 22A illustrates a finite element analysis of von mises stress of a drawstring, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). FIG. 22B shows a finite element analysis of the displacement of the band measured in inches (in). Showing acceptable stress and displacement of the belt at up to 2 pounds of thrust.

Example 3: use of cantilever traction device in cooperation with acrylic force device

BIOBLOC ^TM The acrylic appliance is a commercial therapeutic appliance, and can realize the effect of craniofacial bone correction, thereby treating craniofacial malnutrition. BIOBLOC ^TM The acrylic device is suitable for adolescent patients with open suture system/cartilage (growth center) in maxillofacial complex, thus avoiding the use of bony anchors. BIOBLOC ^TM Is coupled to a pull wire extending towards the ear of the patient. This design can be uncomfortable for the patient, especially when the device is worn overnight, which can affect the comfort of the patient when sleeping on their side. In addition, the use of a pull wire extending toward the ear creates a force vector that is directed in a different direction than the other therapeutic forces provided by the retractor.

Fig. 26A shows a perspective view of a treatment apparatus 2610 coupled to a transom member 2620. The transoral member includes a curved member 2630 and an extraoral vertical member 2640. The therapeutic device is adapted to couple with one or more of the patient's teeth, bone, and soft tissue. Each end of the curved member is coupled to an opposing end of the treatment apparatus. An extraoral vertical member extends perpendicularly from the plane of the curved member and may optionally extend vertically or substantially vertically from the curved member. The transom member may be coupled to a distraction device (not shown), such as a cantilever distraction device as described herein.

The dashed line in fig. 26A indicates the direction of the force vector. Figure 26B shows a side view of the therapeutic device coupled to the transom member. The dashed line in fig. 26B indicates that the force vector extends at an angle of 15 ° with respect to the transom member. Importantly, the direction of the force vector is the same as the direction in which the transoral member extends and the direction of the tractive force provided by the extraoral force applier (not labeled). Preferably, the traction is applied only through the extraoral vertical member.

It is to be understood that BIOBLOC ^TM The instrument is only typical of all dental anchors. The same results can be obtained with traction applied to any dental anchor appliance: the traction force is transmitted to the root of the tooth and from there to the palatal fornix. The transoral member may be attached to any type of dental anchor, including directly to the molar attachment without palatal related components.

Each of the patents, patent applications, and publications cited in the specification of the present invention are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that other embodiments and variations of the invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include all such embodiments and equivalent variations.

Reference to the literature

1. U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,710

2. U.S. Pat. No. 10,166,089

3. U.S. patent publication No. US 2018/0028282

4.Moon,W.,“Class III treatment by combining facemask(FM)and maxillary skeletal expander(MSE)”,Seminars in Orthodontics,Vol 24,No.1,pp.95-107(2018).

5. International patent publication No. WO2019/018249

6. International patent publication No. WO2019/104255

Claims (19)

1. A draft gear, comprising:

a main body frame adaptively anchored to the body of the patient, an

A cantilever mount, comprising:

a first shaft coupled to the main body frame, an

A second shaft coupled to the first shaft,

wherein the second shaft extends forward of the patient's face,

the traction device also comprises a head cover coupled with the second shaft rod,

wherein the main body frame includes:

a top bar, and

a bottom bar, and

the cantilever support further comprises:

a top bearing coupled to the top rod, an

A bottom bearing coupled to the bottom rod, and

the first shaft is coupled with the top bearing and the bottom bearing.

2. The traction device recited in claim 1, wherein the first shaft is movably coupled with the body frame.

3. The draft gear, according to claim 1, wherein said top bearing and said bottom bearing further comprise roller bearings.

4. The traction device of claim 1, wherein the hood comprises

A strap, and

a head lining coupled to the band, and

the hood is coupled to the second shaft by the strap.

5. The towing attachment in accordance with claim 3 wherein the outrigger includes at least two top bearings and at least two bottom bearings,

the at least two top bearings are coupled by a first top bearing plate and a second top bearing plate, and

the at least two bottom bearings are coupled by a first bottom support plate and a second bottom support plate.

6. The draft gear according to claim 5, wherein said first top support plate, said second top support plate, said first bottom support plate and said second bottom support plate are each of a single piece construction.

7. The towing attachment in accordance with claim 1 wherein the main body frame further includes a first side bar coupled to one end of the top bar and the bottom bar, respectively,

a second side bar coupled to the other ends of the top bar and the bottom bar, respectively, and

a plurality of straps coupled to the body frame.

8. The traction device recited in claim 4, wherein the head liner further includes a chin liner.

9. The draft gear, according to claim 1, further including a force applicator support coupled to said second shaft by a bearing.

10. The towing attachment in accordance with claim 9 further including an applicator removably coupled to the applicator support.

11. The traction device recited in claim 10, further comprising a therapeutic device coupled to the force applicator.

12. The distraction device of claim 11, wherein the therapeutic device is coupled to the force applicator via an adjustable anchoring device.

13. The traction device recited in claim 5, further comprising a low friction material between the roller bearing and the back plate.

14. The draft gear, according to claim 5, further including a vertical roller coupled to at least one of the top bearing top plate, the top bearing bottom plate, the bottom bearing top plate and the bottom bearing bottom plate.

15. The traction device of claim 4, wherein the strap does not occlude a facial region of the patient.

16. The towing attachment in accordance with claim 1 wherein the top and bottom poles each comprise a hollow tube.

17. The towing attachment in accordance with claim 2 including:

means for movably coupling the first shaft to the body frame,

means for coupling the head of the patient to said second shaft, and

means for applying a traction force to the craniofacial complex of the patient and coupled to the second shaft.

18. The towing attachment in accordance with claim 12,

wherein the therapeutic device is anchored to one or more of the patient's teeth, bone, and soft tissue.

19. The traction device recited in claim 18, wherein the force applicator comprises a constant force spring.

Images